LOCAL: Brands, Businesses + Entrepreneurs | #07 | Sowing Ground
Kitsap is full of incredible brands, businesses and entrepreneurs who make shopping for unique items in Kitsap a fun adventure.
Editor’s Note: Jessica and her family have moved out of state! And she’s having a baby! She’s on hiatus indefinitely but we know we will see more of her at some point and motherhood will engender even more creativity in the future.
Sowing Ground
Jessica Chan-Charette, Owner
About Jessica
What was your first job?
“I am a total nerd and love learning, so when I was old enough to get a work permit as a teenager, I submitted an application to work as a teacher's assistant at a local summer educational program. Kids came to take classes outside the normal offerings at school, such as Cooking, Magic, Food Chemistry, Cartooning, etc. I attended the same program as a student growing up and so I was excited to be a part of making the experience for others as great as it was for me!”
Where do you draw inspiration/creativity in your life?
“One thing I appreciate about the creative practice is that everything serves to inform my art and nothing is ever wasted. I draw inspiration from the things I see around me, mainly from nature and my love of animals. I also am constantly inspired and encouraged by my amazing local and online community. When I have the time, I like to take classes and read a lot of books so that I can always keep learning and improving my skills. Sometimes, the work I create draws upon past experiences or new personal revelations. I love that art allows me to explore and express myself while at the same time provides a platform to bring cheer and joy to others.”
About Sowing Ground
How did the idea of starting Sowing Ground begin?
“I have always wanted to pursue being an artist from a young age but struggled a lot with self-doubt. The path to starting Sowing Ground has certainly not been linear, but I am grateful for all the experiences along the way that led me to where I am. I studied printmaking and book arts in college but took a long hiatus from art after graduating. Long story short, after a series of unfortunate work experiences, I wound up with chronic repetitive stress injuries in both arms. After moving up to WA from CA a couple of years ago, I found my job prospects to be dead ends due to my physical limitations. I started making art as a way to pass the time while my husband was at the office and was delighted to discover that creating doesn't aggravate my arms! As I started to rediscover my love for art, the idea for Sowing Ground was born. SG is all about spreading joy and cheer through art and is inspired by my deep love for nature. I am so grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with others!”
The Drive
Tell us what/who drives you to keep working hard towards your goals.
“My customers! Without their support, there would be no Sowing Ground. I am constantly looking for ways to level up my skills so I can provide quality products and serve my customers well.”
Love Kitsap
Tell us your fave local drink spot - coffee, tea, wine, tequila, whatever!
“Coffee Oasis!! I love meeting friends for coffee or swinging by to pick up bags of beans to mail to family as gifts. It is also so awesome that purchases go back into the community and support the many crucial programs that Coffee Oasis operates to empower homeless youth.”
—A Note from the Editor: Coffee O has locations in several towns around the Kitsap Peninsula - Kingston, Poulsbo, Bremerton + Port Orchard.
Tell us your fave local spot for a comfort meal - what do you always order?
“Farmer Rosie's!! Oh gosh, my husband and I have an incredibly hard time staying away from this gem of a place. We already love Josephine's, so it's a bonus "2 in 1" kind of locale for us. It's another favorite spot for friend coffee dates and business meetings. I ALWAYS order at least one jam thumbprint cookie. And then I proceed to add all the other freshly made goodies to my bill. I love that in addition to the main staples, the offerings change based on the season and available ingredients. I appreciate being surprised and delighted every time I stop by!”
Live Kitsap
Out of town guests are coming for the weekend. What is the most important thing you share with them about Kitsap? Where do you absolutely have to take them?
“My husband and I currently reside in Manette, so we love taking visitors on walks around the neighborhood to enjoy the amazing forest and water views. We are always gushing about how much we love the sense of community in Kitsap, both through the creative community and our church. We are transplants from out of state, lived a year in Seattle, and then moved to Bremerton. We didn't know what to expect, but we have fallen in love with Kitsap! We are so grateful for the friends we have made, folks I connect with through my business, and I am always so impressed by what the local makers, artists, and small business owners are up to!
Any time friends or family come into town, we ALWAYS take them down the street to our favorite local bakery. Saboteur!! It is nearly impossible to leave the shop without one of every delicious and fresh pastry. Everything is amazing there, but I am particularly partial to the quiche, almond croissants, and brioches. It is such a delight to catch up with loved ones over a cup of black coffee and pastries. Very solid fuel to power hours of conversation!!”
Thrive in Kitsap
Where are your favorite place(s) to get outside. What do you do when you go?
“I recently got into mushroom foraging and it's been such a treat to add that "treasure hunt" element to my local hikes/forest excursions. I didn't grow up in the PNW so this is all new to me and I am super into it!! The first time I visited WA, I remember commenting to my friend that the forests here look like the ones in Jurassic Park movies. I grew up in California, where it's also gorgeous, but the nature up here is just a different kind of breathtaking! Getting outside does wonders for me personally and as an artist. Movement, the richness of the forest air, and the views are refreshing and invigorating. Visiting Illahee, Banner Park or Kitsap Heritage Park helps reset me and provides so much creative inspiration.”
our connections + friendships with local brands, businesses + entrepreneurs is something that makes living in kitsap truly unique. You aren’t just supporting a business, you’re growing relationships.
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